Winter is the hardest on your car. Colder temperatures make
your engine harder to crank and your battery less able to crank the engine over.
There are services that should be performed now to maintain vehicle reliability.
If you believe out-of-sight, out-of-mind is acceptable for vehicle maintenance,
it’s time for a reality check. Good vehicle performance is directly linked
to the care it receives.

Visually inspect your battery for clean surfaces, loose connections,
and corrosion. Dirt, corrosion and moisture provide a path for energy
to escape from the battery. When corrosion or dirt accumulates, use a
weak solution of baking soda and water to clean the battery’s exterior. You
may need a wire brush to scrub the terminals. Loose connections also may
result in an explosion! Battery cables are important as defective cables
and poor connections are two of the top reasons for cranking problems. Keep
cable and connections “bright and tight”. Play close attention to ground
connections.

Make sure you maintain the electrolyte levels (for serviceable batteries)
between above the battery’s plates and below the vent well cap opening.
Plates exposed to air will sulfate, become hard and brittle and you’ll loose
battery power. Be careful not to overfill. Adding too much water not only
dilutes the electrolytes sulfuric acid but can cause a drop in voltage. Never
add acid to the battery!

Measure the “state of charge” with preferable a hydrometer. If
the battery is sealed, let the voltage equilibrate and determine “state of
charge” with an accurate volt meter. Appropriate charge levels (1.265
specific gravity as measured by a hydrometer and 12.6 volts as measured with
a volt meter) are very important component of year around maintenance. A
discharged battery will lead to a starting failure. A battery stored in a
discharged state is susceptible to sulfation and freezing.

Have your battery tested by a mechanic or battery specialist to ensure
that it meets manufacturing specs for its power. Not all batteries are created
equal. You need a load tester or other digital battery testing equipment
to accurately test the battery. If the battery does not met manufacturer’s
specs, then replace the battery with one that does.

If you are storing batteries be sure to charge the battery before storage
and store them in a cool, dry location. Once a battery is filled with
electrolyte, it discharges at 1% a day at 70 degree Fahrenheit. Cooler temperatures,
from 40 to 60 degrees F are ideal. Discharged batteries can freeze at 18 degrees
F. Batteries stored in cars newer than 1981 have parasitic drains that will
further discharge the batteries. Check with a specialist before disconnecting
the battery from the car’s electrical system. Charge automotive, R.V. batteries
every 3 months. Charge motorcycle and ATV batteries once every month. For
vehicles left in storage including cars, R.V’s, trucks, motorcycles, personal
water craft, etc, there are several very good manufacturers (i.e. Interactor,
VDC Electronics, Battery Tender, etc) that have perfected “completely automatic”
chargers that will maintain your batteries at a “full state of charge” but
not overcharge.